Following a two-week consultation the Home Office has decided to relax licensing laws to allow pubs to stay open later during England matches at the FIFA World Cup in June.
The decision means that pubs and bars will now be allowed to open until 1am when England matches kick-off at 8pm or later without the need for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
Commenting on its response to the consultation the Home Office said: "The government believes that England playing in the World Cup is an occasion of exceptional national significance.
"The government has listened to the views received in response to the consultation and in discussion with partners has decided to proceed with the proposal to relax licensing hours nationally for England's World Cup matches."
To help licencees who are showing the World Cup games the Association of Chief Police Officers, the British Beer and Pub Association and the Local Government Association has released a guidance document.
The Managing World Cup Success guidance offers a checklist to make sure both watching the matches have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Download the Managing World Cup Success guidance.
Read more Sport and Recreation Alliance news.
Government has today formally launched a consultation on reforming the role of statutory consultees in the planning system. The consultation runs for eight weeks, closing on 13 January 2026.
Read more
As part of the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s 90th anniversary celebrations, nine young people have been recognised as future sector leaders in a special Youth Edition of the organisation’s annual Community Sport and Recreation Awards.
Read more
The Sport and Recreation Alliance celebrated its 90th anniversary at St James’s Palace, where members also gathered for the organisation’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), chaired by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Read more
Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!
Register now
